Stones: Iconic 1969 gig in Hyde Park was 'difficult'
The Rolling Stones admit their iconic Stones in the Park concert was "difficult".
The British rockers have said their now-legendary 1969 gig in London's Hyde Park was emotionally draining because it was the first time they had played to such a big crowd without founding guitarist Brian Jones, who drowned two days before the concert after being asked to leave the band one month earlier.
Speaking to Planet Rock radio station, Keith Richards said: "It was our first gig with Mick Taylor; Brian Jones having just deceased himself. It was about breaking in a new band in front of the biggest audience we had ever played to.
"At the same time everyone was on a downer ... it was about how to raise spirits."
Sir Mick Jagger said "it was a difficult moment", describing the band as "fragile" at the time.
He added: "It was a difficult gig in that way, but once we started, it all sort of came together... I think we were a bit out of tune if I remember!"
The Rolling Stones announced yesterday they would be returning to the iconic London venue on July 6 as part of the Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park series, which will also see Bon Jovi perform.
The veteran musicians revealed they had enjoyed their short series of gigs to celebrate their 50th anniversary so much last year, they were keen to come back for more.
They commented: "We don't talk about this much between us, but there was an agreement of this must continue! So here we are, and we're gonna lay it on you again!"
